Winning streak continues for Broomehill as they stitch up top spot in Great Southern Cricket Association

Broomehill sealed top spot in the Great Southern Cricket Association standings after victory in round 12 on Saturday. The win over Kendenup pushed Broomehill 17 points clear of the second-placed Tambellup with three rounds left in the regular season. Broomehill have a bye in the final round but will finish as minor premiers. They recorded their 10th straight win to remain undefeated, prevailing by six wickets on their home deck on Saturday. Sam Richardson and Jack Batchelor did the damage with the ball before Steve Irvine delivered with the bat. Kendenup were restricted to just 129 batting first and it could have been far worse if not for the efforts of Matt Gilbert and Jack Horrocks. Richardson snared the first two wickets before Batchelor claimed the next three scalps. When Ben Oldfield was caught Kendenup slipped to 6-66 and were in all sorts of trouble. However, luckily Matt Gilbert and Horrocks dug in for Kendenup with a 58-run partnership to take their side into triple figures. Richardson was brought back into the attack and ended the partnership as he had Horrocks trapped in front for 27 from 43 balls before Tom Hillman became Richardson’s fourth scalp. Kendenup lost 4-5 to be bowled out in the 41st over, with Matt Gilbert the final wicket to fall, caught for a patient 33 off 74. Richardson bowled three maidens and finished with the superb figures of 4-16 from nine overs. Batchelor was just as impressive with 3-17 off eight and Ethan Caldwell chipped in with 2-16. In the run chase Broomehill lost Batchelor early but James Barritt and Irvine ensured their side’s winning streak would continue, combining for an 83-run partnership. Clint Gilbert got the breakthrough for Kendenup with Barritt falling for 29 and then Clint Gilbert dismissed Caldwell soon after as Kendenup fell to 3-97. Irvine and Brant Dennis added 31 together before Dennis was removed for 19 but Irvine was instrumental in sealing the win. Irvine finished unbeaten on 67 from 87 balls as Broomehill posted 4-131 from 29.1 overs. Sebastian Ballard took 2-20 off seven overs and Clint Gilbert (2-22) was also a multiple wicket taker.